Chief Inspector Jeff Boon said there had been a lot of misinformation and unnecessary concern in the lead up to the official announcement by Police Commissioner Mick Fuller in Mudgee on Thursday.

While Mudgee will lose some administration staff under the new model, Chief Inspector Boon said there would be more officers on the ground, and able to get additional resources when required.

His comments echo those of the new Commander of the Orana Mid-Western district, Superintendent Peter McKenna, who said Mudgee would receive everything they need to police effectively.

“This is a win for Mudgee and it was a great honour that an announcement that affects the whole of NSW was made in Mudgee,” Chief Inspector Boon said.

“It’s putting the focus back onto the community and putting boots on the ground. It doesn’t matter what size a town is, everyone will know who is in charge.”

“When we are called we will be better able to respond and you will see more of us around the streets.”

There was an immediate boost for Mudgee with an additional Sergeant based in the town and more officers could be brought in when and if required,” Chief Inspector Boon said.

“What we will look at is more frontline supervision and the frontline supervision here at Mudgee will improve,” he said.

“Immediately we’ll have an extra Sergeant and that makes a big difference to the troops. It gives them more support and the community more support. 

“We can draw on resources form the larger centres if we have a problem, and if there is a slight rise in crime we will be able to stamp it out very quickly.”

Asked about his own role in the new police district, Chief Inspector Boon said it was still being sorted out. 

“It’s still subject to two weeks of negotiations but in the meantime I’ll be here at Mudgee if anyone wants to talk to me,” he said.